A while back I posted a picture of a little half bottle of 2006 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana wine. I just thought that a bottle of wine smaller than a wine glass was way fun. I have sad news for all of you, I have prematurely taken the life of that wine.

The seemingly endless car trip home from Arizona left me feeling determined to imbibe some vino, so I scanned the bottles available to me and decided that I would open my diminutive Toscana. This wine is a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, and has about 13% alcohol. I paid about $14 for the 375 ML bottle.

The first thing I notice when I dip my nose into the glass, is floral scents leaping out at me. I also get some herbal and slightly mineral qualities, a little bit of wet rock action, and a little leather. The palate on this wine is extremely tight, especially without any decanting. My first sip really feels like a big nothing on the attack, and then fades into a decent finish of cherry and oaky vanilla and spices. The mouthfeel is extremely smooth, but there are some definite strong tanins here. I decanted some of this wine and it really helped out a lot. I get a lot more of the vanilla and spices on the attack after some decanting.

I really think that this is a good wine, but it is a bit early to be drinking it. The effects of a good decanting and the presence of some strong tanins make me think that this one could probably really stand another year or two before drinking. I think that this wine is a good value, given the price of other quality Tuscan wines. I would be comfortable recommending this wine, but would recommend that you stay away from baby killing it like I did. If you feel like you absolutely have to drink it now, I would let it decant for an hour or two first.

Final Grade (1-5)

This Sangiovese based wine allowed me to check off another variety for my Wine Century Challenge. I now have reviewed 15 of 100 varieties, and only have 85 to go!

Thanks, that’s something new that I’m playing with. Might still make some adjustments to the review format in the new year, but I’ll probably stick with the 5 point thing. I think the 100 point system gives an impression of scientific exactness that I’m not really capable of.